How to Save the State Billions of Dollars

In November, I sent a letter to Governor Paterson including the Assembly Republican Conference's proposals to address New York’s fiscal crisis. They are listed below:

- Eliminate Member Items: There is approximately $200 million per year allocated for Member Items for the Legislature and Governor. Elected officials in State government should lead by example and cut the pork;

- Collect sales taxes on Native American lands: New York State needs to enforce the law and collect taxes from purchases made on Native American lands. It is estimated that doing so would generate over $1 billion annually;

- “Sweep” fund balances: To enhance transparency of the budget process, we propose State Agencies provide timely notification – when projects or lines in the State budget are completed – if a fund balance exists, or when a shortfall in funding has occurred. This will allow us to identify any unused or residual taxpayer monies;

- Freeze State employee hiring: To increase State efficiencies and reduce costs, we should continue to support a hard hiring freeze of all State employees;

- Suspend State employee travel: As another method of increasing State efficiencies, all employee travel should be suspended, except for health and safety purposes, until this current financial crisis is resolved;

- Suspend State vehicle purchases: The State should suspend the purchase of new State vehicles, except for health and safely purposes. This could save taxpayers over $500,000 annually;

- Merge State Agencies: Merging the Insurance and Banking Departments into the Office of Financial Services; the Consumer Protection Board with the Department of Law; the Crime Victims Board with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Racing Reform Program into Racing and Wagering could save nearly $9.8 million;

- Enact a 15% Non-Personal Service (NPS) cut: A 15 percent reduction in all General Fund Non-Personal Service appropriations in every State agency, board, office or department, should be made. This reduction does not seek to eliminate any State workforce jobs. But it would reduce State spending by $416 million;

- Implement the “State Agency Fiscal Efficiency” (S.A.F.E.) Program: This initiative would empower State Agencies to temporarily transition to a four-day work week, where employees would take one day off without pay. Discussion with labor leaders would be necessary. The program would be voluntary;

- Eliminate Reappropriations: After five fiscal years, all cash reappropriations should be eliminated, except for capital projects. If an organization can’t spend all of its appropriated funding within five years of it being provided, those funds should be eliminated; and

- Eliminate “Ghost Ship” Commissions: Our Conference established a W.A.S.T.E. (Waste At State Taxpayer’s Expense) Taskforce, to identify all the State Commissions that still receive State funding even though they have finished their assigned task or are no longer relevant. Eliminating these Commissions would save taxpayers hundreds of thousands, if not more. We all understand Commission members can make a case to continue, but our economic condition must take precedence.

Certainly, this list is by no means exhaustive. Nevertheless, these proposals can serve as a starting point for our continued deliberations as we face one of the most challenging budget cycles in recent memory.

I am confident that if we can set politics aside and move toward bi-partisan solutions, we will ensure our state emerges from the current crisis stronger than ever. Our Assembly Republican Conference is ready, willing and able to meet this challenge by returning fiscal responsibility to state government and, in the process, guaranteeing a better and brighter future for all New Yorkers.

My Quick Take on the Property Tax Cap

Governor Paterson Needs to get Silver on Board for Needed Property Tax Cap Relief

The State Commission on Property Tax Relief has delivered its final report to Governor Paterson and the State Legislature. They have done an outstanding job and have made their recommendations carefully and thoughtfully. As my Assembly Republicans Conference and I carefully review the Commission’s final report, at first glance I support many of its suggestions, most importantly the need for a real property tax cap. The Commission’s recognition of the significant role that unfunded mandate relief must play in reducing property taxes is also important and should similarly command the Legislature’s attention.

If the Governor is seriously about making the property tax cap a reality for New Yorkers, he needs to include the Commission’s recommendations in the 2009-10 Executive Budget. If he gives us a budget that includes these key changes to New York’s property tax system, he will be sending a clear message of his intentions and his support for a property tax cap.

Over the years, my Republican Conference and I have warned of New York’s growing property tax crisis and the immediate need for a real property tax cap. We have been pushing for the passage of the “New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act,” legislation that would cap property taxes. The fact that New Yorkers are paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation is unacceptable.

For this to change, Albany must change. This is not a partisan issue; Speaker Silver needs to recognize that New Yorkers need property tax relief now. He’s the only leader in Albany who has opposed the cap; he needs to let the property tax cap issue come to the Assembly floor for a vote. The Senate passed a property tax cap back in August, and the Assembly has failed to do so, this clearly illustrates Albany’s need for change.

It is sad, but not surprising, that the Speaker turned a deaf ear to the pleas for help from New York homeowners being crushed by property taxes. New York is deep in an economic crisis and the Commission’s final report should be the catalyst to push the Speaker to act. Governor Paterson should use his power and appeal to the media and the public to encourage the Speaker to end his opposition to the property tax cap. The Speaker can use our tax cap bill – Assembly Bill A.8775-A – as a starting point.

I again want to commend the Commission on its hard work, bringing their recommendations for property tax relief to Albany. Chairman Tom Suozzi and the Commission have done a great job advancing the cause of property tax relief by proposing the adoption of a property tax cap to solve New York’s tax crisis.

More Inaction From Speaker Silver

Today I sat down at a five-way meeting with the Governor and the Leaders of the Senate and Assembly to try to address the State’s looming budget deficit. I hoped we would be able to bring some proposals to the table and discuss any ideas that would help close the budget gap. I brought with me a lot of ideas that I think could really help the present situation, but Speaker Silver hardly spoke up, he didn’t offer any new ideas or even which of Governor Paterson’s ideas he was supporting.

The only thing Speaker Silver mentioned was his sudden opposition to one-house bills. The reality is that the Speaker brought 1,153 one-house bills to the Assembly floor last year. It is amazing to me that the Speaker today condemned against such actions, when he passed a bill in the August 19 special session that would have created a $1.75 billion job-killing tax. Why, when it comes to trying to figure out how to reduce spending, one-house bills are off the table, yet he eagerly supported a bill that would increase state taxes?

Speaker Silver has long been a supporter of increased spending and has helped put New York in its present fiscal crisis. The State is in an economic ditch, and the media should demand that he explain his contributions to New York’s budget problems.

Today’s special session was pointless and accomplished nothing, but it cost New York’s taxpayers $40,000. Webster’s Dictionary may want to consider redefining the word ‘irony’.

The Governor needs to lead by example. He should have asked the Speaker directly which cuts he was supporting and he should have asked for at least one idea from him to address our fiscal problem. The Governor let the Speaker off the hook.

Today was a circus. I’m sad to say the dysfunction in New York State government has gotten worse. For the good of the taxpayers, this trend must change immediately.


Here's a small segment of the meeting where all the leaders had a chance to argue their positions. I came in towards the end.

New York's Credit Cards Are Maxed Out

With a growing budget deficit, the time is now for New York State to tighten its belt. The best way to achieve this is to cut spending instead of raising taxes. The governor realizes this and I applaud him for being forward-thinking. I will stand shoulder to shoulder with the governor as we look to right New York's ship.

Families across the state are cutting back on spending. We, as a state, must do the same. Lawmakers must be problem-solvers and I urge my colleagues to take the measures needed to work on eliminating the budget deficit.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

“By recommending the adoption of a real property tax cap, the State Commission on Property Tax Relief has confirmed what countless overburdened homeowners, small businesses and family farmers have known for years: property taxes in New York have reached a crisis level. Our state’s dubious distinction of having some of the highest property taxes in the nation is proof positive that these crushing burdens represent the single biggest threat to the quality of life for New York homeowners.

Our Assembly Republican Conference realized this years ago – and has been calling for a real property tax cap ever since. Some of the Commission’s recommendations mirror our ‘New York State Property Taxpayer Protection Act’ – Assembly Bill A.8775-A. Our initiative should serve as an effective starting point for any serious and substantive discussions on how our state can make achieving a real property tax cap a reality. Failure to enact a property tax cap before our Legislative session concludes on June 23 would send a terrible message to overtaxed homeowners being crushed in a painful ‘middle class squeeze’ of high property taxes, Thruway tolls, food and fuel costs.

I commend Governor Paterson and Commission Chairman Suozzi for their political courage in supporting a property tax cap. Our entire Conference will work with them in a bi-partisan, cooperative manner to achieve adoption of a much-needed, and long overdue, real property tax cap.”

Gas Tax Plan

PLEASE USE THE FORM ON THE LEFT AND SIGN UP TODAY AND JOIN THE FIGHT ON THE GAS TAX. OR DOWNLOAD THE PETITION HERE

A SUMMER HOLIDAY FROM HIGH GAS PRICES

As gas prices continue climbing to record highs with no end in sight, I and the Assembly Republican Conference want to relieve some of the pain at the pump by instituting a “summer holiday” from state gas taxes. Motorists and small businesses are certainly feeling the pinch.

Our summer gas tax holiday would, on average, provide a nearly .30-cent savings per gallon of gasoline and a .35-cent savings per gallon of diesel fuel.

Record high gas prices are putting a serious strain on motorists’ wallets, family budgets and small business bottom lines. High gas prices are a big part of the painful ‘middle class squeeze’ New Yorkers are enduring. New York’s overtaxed, overburdened, overregulated motorists deserve a holiday from high gas taxes, especially during the summertime months when more families traditionally take to the roadways.

High gas prices have a negative multiplier effect, driving up the cost of everyday goods as small businesses bear the price of higher fuel costs and ultimately pass it onto consumers. The fastest way to put the brakes on rising fuel, food and other commodity costs is by instituting a much-needed holiday from state fuel taxes for motorists and small businesses.

I and the Assembly Republican Conference also support the proposal recently put forth by Republican Presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) that would institute a summertime fuel tax holiday by suspending federal gas taxes. McCain’s “Gas Tax Holiday” amendment would temporarily shelve the 18.4-cent per gallon Federal gas tax between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2008.

It is simple economics: when people have to spend more on basic necessities like fuel and food, they have less to spend elsewhere, causing a further drag on an economy already mired in recession. By removing federal and state taxes on a gallon of gas, we can provide some measure of short-term relief that motorists and small businesses have been calling for. My Republican colleagues and I applaud Senator McCain for being the presidential candidate who was first in addressing this pressing issue.

Tax Freedom Day

I and the Assembly Republican Conference today observed New York's "Tax Freedom Day," by calling for passage of several targeted legislative initiatives which would reduce the state's crushing tax burden on families.

"Tax Freedom Day" refers to the amount of days individuals must work to earn enough money to pay their combined tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels. According to the independent, non-partisan Tax Foundation, New York's 2008 Tax Freedom Day is May 5, the third-highest in the nation. Only New Jersey (May 7) and Connecticut(May 8) have Tax Freedom Days falling later than New York State.

TEDISCO RIGHT ON TARGET

I was out in front of the State Capitol participating in an ax-throwing competition with lumberjacks from Paul Smith's College.

These young lumberjacks were extremely impressive. They're a good group of young kids, very athletic and energetic. They're obviously good teachers because they taught me how to throw an ax.

Today is a special day. I got to throw an ax. Not only did I get to throw an ax, I showed I was pretty much on target because I hit the bullseye. Hopefully I can be as effective and helpful with our new governor at hitting the bullseye in helping him get a budget in place in two weeks.

MY MEETING WITH GOVERNOR DESIGNATE DAVID PATERSON

I met with Governor Designate David Paterson during a media availability at the State Capitol. Paterson will be officially sworn-in as New York State's 55th Governor on Monday, March 17, 2008.

We discussed the upcoming State Budget and outlined some of our top legislative priorities, including providing real property tax relief, controlling spending and improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers.

David Paterson is a good friend, a respected colleague and a dedicated, inspirational public servant who can reach across Albany's partisan divide and help move our state toward a better and brighter future for all its citizens. I, and our entire Assembly Republican Conference, look forward to working with David Paterson to find common ground and real solutions that will help make New York a better place to live, work and raise a family.

A NEW CHAPTER FOR NEW YORK

David Paterson's life story is, in a word, inspirational. His public record is one of overcoming obstacles, showing true character in the face of daunting adversity and being able to bridge Albany's bitter partisan divide that has, regrettably, widened into a chasm in recent years.

Governor Paterson knows the meaning of honor and has shown in both his deeds and words that he is a man of the highest public and personal integrity. His inherent decency and desire to put advancing the interests of the 18 and a half million New Yorkers we represent ahead of political partisanship will truly be a breath of fresh air.

I, and our entire Assembly Republican Conference, are ready, willing and able to work with Governor Paterson to get our state back on track by passing a responsible budget that provides real property tax relief, controls spending and meets the real needs of the New Yorkers we collectively represent. We have serious work to do and it is time for New York to put the scandal behind us and for State government to get back to work. David Paterson's ascension to the governorship is the first step in that direction.

Governor Spitzer's Scandal

“Today’s news that Eliot Spitzer was likely involved with a prostitution ring and his refusal to deny it leads to one inescapable conclusion: he has disgraced his office and the entire state of New York. He should resign his office immediately. Public service is a public trust – Eliot Spitzer violated this trust and has forsaken his oath of office. For the good of his family, for the good of our state, for the good of the governorship, Eliot Spitzer must resign immediately. He is unfit to lead our state and unfit to hold public office.”

Tedisco in 60: Stop The Brain Drain in New York State

A BILL TO CLOSE LOOPHOLE IN STATE’S CHILD ABUSER REGISTRY

In response to a Saratoga Springs school bus driver’s recent arrest for accusations that he sexually abused two boys, I’m taking action to better protect children. The school district was unable to learn that, dating back to 2002, the man had appeared on a state-run registry of possible child abusers. I will introduce legislation to close that loophole.

When I learned about the arrest and the fact that school officials were unable to access a state registry that could have alerted them to his having been flagged as a potential danger to youths back in 2002, I saw a glaring loophole that cried out for immediate closure.

As helpful a tool as the State’s Central Registry is, it could be even more effective if a representative on behalf of a school was allowed to access it. It seems counterproductive to deny schools access to this registry, as doing so keeps important information out of the hands of the very people who should know if someone’s been flagged as a potential child abuser. Clearly, there is a compelling interest in school nurses – the health care professionals specifically trained to recognize signs of abuse, physical or otherwise, among students – having access to the registry.

That’s why my legislation would add school nurses to the category of individuals who can access the State Central Registry.

Truth in Advertising???

The Governor is in Dutchess County today on a so-called “Bringing the Budget Home'' tour. Considering Spitzer’s proposed budget contains $2 billion in tax and fee increases that will cost the average family $473.00, perhaps the Governor should have some truth in advertising and be promoting this as the "Causing You to Sell Your Home Tour" or "Squeezing the New York Middle Class Homeowner Tour.”

By the way, the cartoon above is from http://www.hightaxnewyork.com/.

My Appearance on WGY

I was on WGY today and spoke with Al Roney to discuss the proposed Thruway toll hike. Please click here:

http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/ALBANY-NY/WGY-AM/1-28TEDISCO.mp3?CPROG=PCAST&MARKET=ALBANY-NY&NG_FORMAT=newstalk&SITE_ID=1155&STATION_ID=WGY-AM&PCAST_AUTHOR=WGY&PCAST_CAT=news&PCAST_TITLE=Don_Weeks_On-Demand.

Governor Rejects Toll Increases

I am happy to see that today the Governor joined me and my Assembly Republican colleagues in rejecting any proposed Thruway toll increases. New Yorkers can’t continue to be forced to pay for higher tolls, higher gas prices and higher property taxes. It’s obvious that this should be the end of the road for this costly toll hike.

Comptroller’s Audit Echoes My Calls for Thruway Authority To Stop Toll Hike

The New York State comptroller’s audit of the Thruway Authority revealed precisely what I have been saying since last fall – there is no justification for an increase in Thruway tolls. The comptroller is urging the agency to call off the increase. He says the Thruway is taking the easy way out and he'd like to see the agency implement more cost cutting programs.

New Yorkers are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation. They cannot afford the Thruway Authority’s proposed 10 percent toll hike on top of its earlier toll increase that just went into effect a few weeks ago.

Another Spitzer Plan Catering to Illegals

In his 2008-09 Executive Budget, Governor Spitzer has proposed a tax on illegal drug sales. His legislation would require tax stamps to be placed on illegal drug packages, much like those currently affixed to cigarette packages.

The difference: cigarettes are legal. What kind of mixed message is the Governor sending with this proposal? Does he expect law-breaking drug dealers to obey this provision? My question to Mr. Spitzer is, “what’s next, taxing prostitution?

According to the New York Post’s Ken Lovett, “Experience in other states shows that stamp collectors, not drug dealers, are the ones purchasing the tax stamps”.

The governor says it's not a step toward legalizing illicit drugs. But if he wants to make the bad guys pay more he should increase the fines they pay -- not legitimize their illegal activity by creating a new state tax office.

Please support my Conference’s efforts to prevent this ridiculous measure from becoming law. It is wrong for New York State.